Have you considered the road less traveled? Finding joy on the Calvary road is a foreign thought for many, but without the cross, there is no Easter Sunday to celebrate. In this podcast, we look at the hope that came out of complete devastation and our hope for today.

Growing in faith means taking the time to contemplate the hard issues, one of which is the road to Calvary. Thinking about the title, Finding Joy on the Road to Calvary, we may consider it a bit of a paradox.  How can we find joy on a road that leads to suffering on the cross? But that’s exactly what God invites us to explore in our walk with Him. It may take additional reflection, and this podcast will hopefully be the first step toward a closer walk with Jesus.

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When we think of Calvary, we often picture the weight of the cross, the pain Jesus endured, and the sacrifice He made for us. Without a cross, there is no resurrection. And that’s all true—it’s the cornerstone of our faith. But there’s another layer to this journey, one that gives us hope and even joy when we think about the hardest moments in our faith journey. The road to Calvary isn’t just about suffering; it’s about purpose, love, and the promise of what’s beyond. How can this be?

Let’s look at John 16:33. Jesus says, “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Isn’t that beautiful? Jesus doesn’t say we won’t have any problems, and we talked about this in the last podcast about dealing with the struggles in our lives. Jesus tells us that trouble is part of life. I work hard to not focus on the negative in this world. Yet, when hard things happen, Jesus doesn’t leave us stranded. Jesus offers us peace, and not just any peace—His peace. On the road to Calvary, Jesus knew what was coming, yet He walked forward with a heart full of love for us. That’s where joy begins: knowing that no matter what we face, He’s already overcome it.

Now, let’s think about that road for a moment. Imagine Jesus carrying the cross—exhausted, mocked, and in pain. And yet, He continues for us because this injustice has a purpose. I’ve often wondered how He kept going. One answer comes in Hebrews 12:11-14 which says, (Read on air.)

The peaceful fruits of righteousness. That stops me in my tracks every time. Jesus saw beyond the cross—He saw you, me, and the reconciliation of the world to God. That joy wasn’t in the moment of suffering but in what it would accomplish. Friends, when we’re on our roads to Calvary through those tough seasons of life, can we look ahead to the praise report at the end? Maybe not right away, but it’s there, waiting. Today’s trial is tomorrow’s praise report!

I’ll be honest. Sometimes, my own “Calvary” moments feel overwhelming. Maybe you can relate to the problems in your life. Maybe it is a health scare, a strained relationship, or the business of everyday life wearing you down. But here’s where God meets us. In Philippians 4:4, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  This is the same Paul who didn’t believe that Jesus was indeed the Lord; he was the one who, when he converted, faced all types of trials. He was in prison, facing uncertainty. Yet he tells us to rejoice—not in our circumstances, but in the Lord. On the road to Calvary, joy isn’t about pretending everything’s okay; it’s about anchoring ourselves in the One who never fails us. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. When I learn to trust in God to give up my will and unite it to His, I find a sense of peace that carries me through.

So how do we live this out in our lives? For me, it starts with small steps, praying when hardship hits, thanking God for His presence even when I don’t feel it, and trusting Him. And that brings us to one of my favorite verses, Romans 8:28 (Read on air.) This includes all things, including the road to Calvary, and this includes our own struggles. God knows how our life will turn out even if we don’t. Our goal is eternal, and that’s a reason for joy.

Remember this truth, the road to Calvary didn’t end at the cross. It led to the resurrection, to victory over sin, to new life in Christ. The gates of heaven were open, and salvation was a possibility for all of those who believed. Whatever you’re carrying today, know that Jesus walks with you, and there’s joy ahead. Not because the road is easy, but because He is enough. Take a moment right now and spend a few minutes with God. Ask God to show you the joy He’s planned for you, and know that He hears all of your prayers. And I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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